Akela's Arrows Advancement | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Preparation: | Two leaders - Akela and Baloo - probably Cubmaster and Advancement Chair. |
| Notes: | This ceremony is good for a pack meeting where you are trying to catch any advancements that were not completed with the rest of each den or were not available to be recognized. It recognizes one or more boys at Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos ranks. |
| Script: | Baloo: Long ago, Akela had to pass a test to prove himself worthy of becoming chief. All the braves of the tribe were given four arrows each. These were special arrows, once they had been used they would shatter. Each brave promised to only eat food they had caught themselves. The brave who stayed out the longest would become chief. Akela: I walked far from camp and stopped at the side of a clearing. I waited all night for a deer to come by. I took careful aim and shot. It provide me with food for many days. It's hide provided me with clothing. Baloo: This showed that Akela had learned the basic skills he needed. It also showed the virtue of patience. The rank of Bobcat indicates the Cub Scout has learned basic cub scout skills. I would like the following boys that have earned their Bobcat Badge to come up and join us by the campfire. Your parents will join you later. (announce names and wait until they have all arrived) Akela: I walked along the trail near the stream. There, I came upon a friend laying in the trail. He had used up all his arrows and was starving. I saw a bobcat in a nearby tree. I wanted to save my arrows for bigger game, but my friend was starving. So, I shot the bobcat and cooked it for my friend. Baloo: This act of caring showed Akela had learned the value of friendship and that he was unselfish. The Wolf badge indicates the Cub Scout has learned new things as he travels the trail of Scouting. These new Wolf scouts should be come up to the campfire. (read names and wait for them) Akela: As I followed the trail by the stream, I came face to face with a huge wolf. It growled and started running toward me. I strung my bow, took careful aim and, when he was near, I shot and killed him. He provided me with food for many more days. His warm coat provided me with shelter from the cold nights. Baloo: Staying calm and having steady aim showed that Akela is brave. This is also why the Pack honors the Cub Scouts at the next level of accomplishment with the Bear badge. I would like these new Bears to join us now. (read names) Akela: The meat from the wolf lasted for many days, but soon I had to continue on to search of more food. I came upon a bear that had just killed a dear. The bear saw me and ran off. I was hungry, but I had promised to only eat food I had killed, so I continued on. Baloo: By remembering his promise and being honest, Akela demonstrated that he is trustworthy. To earn the Webelos badge, the Cub Scout must learn the Boy Scout law which includes being Trustworthy. These Webelos should join us now. (read names) Akela: I was now many days from camp. I needed food to give me the strength to make it home or I would die. So, I tracked the bear I had seen before. I took my last arrow, took careful aim, shot, and missed. I was scared because I had no food or arrows. As I turned and started back to camp, I prayed to the great spirit for strength and guidance. Suddenly, I saw the arrow; it was still whole. I followed the bear's trail again. I took aim and shot him. I now had enough food to return home. Baloo: Akela learned that sometimes even the strongest, bravest, most skilled scouts need to ask for help. We all need help sometimes, even these cub scouts that have just advanced. Their parents provide that help. So, will the parents please come up and stand behind their sons. (wait for all to arrive) Baloo: Pack, please stand. Join me in congratulating these fine scouts! (Applause) |
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Basic Flag Closing | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Script: | (leader assembles color guard in back of room or offstage so they are ready. You may only have flag bearers, 2 or 3 scouts following, 2 in front and 2 behind, or any crisp formation depending on number of scouts in color guard.) Leader: "Color Guard, Attention! " Leader: "Audience, Please Rise! " Leader: "Color Guard, Forward March! " (wait for color guard to reach the front) Leader: "Color Guard, Halt! " Leader: "Scout Salute! Please put your right hand over your heart if you are not in uniform." Leader: "Color Guard, Retrieve the Colors! " (wait for flag bearers to pick up their flags) Leader: "Color Guard, Return to Ranks! " (wait for flag bearers to return to formation) ( US Flag is on the far right facing the audience, then state flag, then troop flag on far left.) Leader: "Color Guard, About Face! " Leader: "Color Guard, Forward March! " (wait until color guard reaches back of room) Leader: "Color Guard, Halt! " Leader: "TWO! " (everyone drops salute.) Leader: "Audience, Thank you for joining us. " Leader: "Color Guard, Dismissed! " (flag bearers should immediately put the flags away before starting to play with the other guys. ) |
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Basic Flag Opening | |
| Intended for: | All Scouts |
| Script: | (have the scouts offstage, ready holding the flags. The US Flag is on the right, then State flag, then Troop flag on the far left.) Leader: "Color Guard, Attention!" Leader: "Audience, Please Rise!" Leader: "Scout Salute! Those not in uniform, please place your right hand over your heart." Leader: "Color Guard, Forward March!" (wait for color guard to reach the front) Leader: "Color Guard, Halt!" Leader: "Color Guard, Cross the Colors!" (US Flag crosses in front of others to left-most flag stand, then state, then troop flags. wait for flag bearers to move to the flag pole stands) Leader: "Color Guard, Post the Flag of [Pack/Troop] 123! " Leader: "Color Guard, Post the Flag of the Great State of [your state name]! " (US Flag remains held by bearer) Leader: "Please recite the Pledge of Allegiance!" Leader: "TWO!" (Everyone drops salute) Leader: "Scout Sign!" (Everyone raises right hand making the Scout sign or Cub Scout sign) Leader: "Please join us in reciting the [Scout Law, Scout Oath, Cub Scout Promise, Outdoor Code, ...]!" (this is where the ceremony can be customized by the color guard. Choose what to recite. Could sing a song such as 'America the Beautiful'..) Leader: "TWO!" (Everyone drops Scout sign) Leader: "Color Guard, Post the Flag of the United States of America! " Leader: "Color Guard, Honor your Colors!" (Flag bearers salute the US flag) Leader: "Color Guard, return to ranks!" (wait for flag bearers return to formation) Leader: "Audience, Please be seated!" |
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Bear Rank - Chipmunk's Stripes | |
| Intended for: | Bear Scouts |
| Script: | Akela: Long ago, the animals had tribes just like the people. One night, Porcupine sent out a message requesting all the animals to come together for a great council of the tribes. At the Council meeting, Porcupine stood up. His quills quivered and gleamed in the firelight. 'We must decide,' he said, 'whether we shall have night or daylight all the time.' Baloo: All the animals began giving their ideas all at once. It was deafening. Bear rocked to and fro on his hind legs, trying to drown out the others by rumbling in a big deep voice, 'Always night! Always night! Always night!' Akela: A little chipmunk who had been sitting on the outskirts of the Council meeting became annoyed. (Chipmunks hate to sit still for any time.) 'You can talk all you like,' he shrilled out in his tiny, squeaky voice, 'but the light will come whether you want it or not. The light will come.' Akela: The other animals did not pay any attention to him, but went on roaring and growling until they were hoarse. Finally, they agreed that night all the time would be better. And, so it was decided. Chipmunk danced with excitement on the outskirts of the Council meeting shrieking, 'The Light Will Come! The Light Will Come!' Baloo: But, Bear, who was close to him, growled, 'Quiet, little one! It is decided.' Akela: But, as the council was ending, a faint flush had crept up in the sky, and the golden disc of the sun rose above the tree-tops. Could it be possible that it was daylight whether they wished it or not? A shrill voice suddenly piped up from the edge of the assembly. 'What did I tell you?...' Baloo: 'Roooooar!' Bear slashed at the bothersome Chipmunk with his huge paw. Luckily, Chipmunk was very fast and Bear's claws barely scratched his little back. He was gone like a flash through the trees and into a hole in a tree before Bear could catch him. But, the black stripes that run down the chipmunk's sides today show where Bear's claws hit him long ago at that Council meeting when the animals tried to decide whether they should have darkness or daylight all the time. Akela: Just as Bear left his mark on Chipmunk, we are here to honor Cub Scouts who have left their mark on this pack. On their way to learning about their self, their family, their country, and God, they have taken part in many activities in the pack. Akela: Call these new Bear Scouts and their parents forward so I may honor them. Baloo: Will the following Cub Scouts come forward with their parents? (Baloo names the boys who are to receive the Bear badge.) (Akela hands the badge to the parents.) Akela: Parents, present the Bear badge to your son. As is our custom, please attach the badge to his uniform upside down, with the tape. Once he performs a good deed, the badge may be permanently attached right side up. The pin is worn by the parents as an indication that Cub Scouting continues to be a family activity. Baloo: These boys deserve a cheer for their hard work. What could be more appropriate than a Bear growl? |
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Bobcat Badge | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Required: | campfire prop - optional badges and pins or tape for affixing to uniform |
| Script: | Akela: The spirit of Cub Scouting burns here as it does in the hearts of Cub Scouts everywhere. The Cub Scout spirit is like a campfire. We must add wood to the fire or it will go out. In the same manner, we must add new boys to our pack, or the Cub Scout spirit will go out. Baloo: We have (number) boys who have earned the right to join our Pack. Akela: Are they ready to join in the Cub Scout spirit? Baloo: Yes, and they have learned the ways of our tribe. They have learned the Cub Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack, and the Cub Scout Motto and their meanings. They have also learned the meaning and proper use of the Cub Scout Sign, Salute, and Handshake. They know the meaning of Webelos. These are the boys ready to join our Pack. When I call your name, come forward with your parents ... (Baloo calls the boys who are to receive the Bobcat badge.) (Both Akela and Baloo hand the badge to parents and congratulate the Cubs with the Cub Scout handshake) Akela: Parents, present the Bobcat badge to your son. Attach the badge to his uniform upside down. Once he completes a good deed, the badge should be permanently attached right side up. The parent pin reminds you that Scouting is a family program. Akela: Will the new Bobcats join Baloo and me in saying the Cub Scout promise? All: I, _____, promise to do my best to do my duty to God and my country to help other people, and to obey the Law of the Pack. |
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Cub Scout Flag Collection | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Script: | Whatever ceremony you attempt, these guidelines will help make it go smoothly:
Remember these points of U.S. Flag etiquette:
Find more Scouting Resources at www.BoyScoutTrail.com (stage is set with a large kettle and campfire. Inside the kettle and against one side is a folded flag out of sight of the audience.) (you may use a different scout for each line or two scouts taking turns.) Scout: Tonight we're going to fix for you a treat that's really grand and make for you a recipe : the Grandest in the Land. Scout: In first we'll put a heaping cup of red for courage true. (pours in container of red paper cut in small pieces) Scout: And then we'll add for loyalty a dash of heavenly blue. (Pours in container of blue paper cut in small pieces) Scout: For purity we'll now sift in a layer of snowy white (pours in container of white paper cut in small pieces) Scout: We'll sprinkle a pinch of stars to make it come out right. (pours in a small container of silver stars) Scout: We'll stir and stir and you will see that what we've made is Old Glory. (pulls out flag, unfurls it with partner, and posts it on standard.) Scout: Our flag is the most beautiful flag in the world. Let's always be loyal to it. Everyone please stand and give the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Find more Scouting Resources at www.BoyScoutTrail.com Equipment:
Speaker: Since countries were first formed, man has used symbols to express hope, ideals, and love of his own nation. Our flag symbolizes the sacrifices made by men and women for the future of America. It stands for your home and everything and everyone you hold dear. Speaker: 'I light the red candle for the red stripes in our flag, standing for hardiness and valor and symbolizing the lifeblood of brave men and women.' Speaker: 'I light the white candle for the white stripes, symbolizing purity and perfection.' Speaker: 'I light the blue candle for the field of blue which is the symbol of perseverance and justice, and the eternal blue of the heavens.' Speaker: 'Please stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.' Find more Scouting Resources at www.BoyScoutTrail.com Equipment: have scouts make cardboard swords and shields in den meetings prior to pack meeting. Announcer: Hear ye! Hear ye! The Kingdom of Cub Scouting requests your presence before the Royalty of the Land! (Royal trumpet sounds) Announcer: Prepare for the entrance of the Chivalrous Knights. (Scout procession enters carrying shields and swords and den flags.) Announcer: Knights! Hold your swords at attention while the flag of the United States is advanced. Audience, please stand and salute the flag. (Honor guard brings flag forward to post) Announcer: The flags, shields, and banners of kings were symbols of the monarchy. Fleur-de-lis, lions, trees, and castles symbolized purity, courage, and strength. Our banner has three colors and stars as symbols. Our colors show red for bravery, white for purity, and blue for loyalty. The stripes stand for the original thirteen colonies and the stars stand for all the states. Knights and friends of the kingdom, please join in the Pledge of Allegiance. |
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Four Directions | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Required: | 4 scouts |
| Preparation: | Place each scout at a different corner of the meeting place, matching east, west, north, and south. |
| Script: | Cubmaster: O Great Spirit, bring forth the four winds. East: I am East. From me comes the sun each day, with its light which all living things need. Just as I am the first direction, cub scouting begins with the Tiger. South: I am South. From me come heat and rains, so all living things might have warmth and water to drink. Just as I am the second direction, cub scouting's second step is the Wolf. North: I am North. From me come cold and snow, so all living things might experience coolness and the beauty of winter. Just as I am the third direction, cub scouting's third step is Bear. West: I am West. To me the sun comes at the end of each day, giving the world darkness so all living things might rest. Just as I am the last direction, so Webelos is the last step of cub scouting. Cubmaster: Brothers East, South, North, and West - will you lead us in the Law of the Pack? (4 scouts raise the Cub Sign) East: "The cub scout follows Akela." South: "The cub scout helps the pack go." North: "The pack helps the cub scout grow." West: "The cub scout gives good will." (The four winds are dismissed by the Cubmaster) |
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New Cub Scout Welcome | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Required: | A burning fire. A few sticks for each new scout. |
| Preparation: | Prepare a campfire outside or a fake fire inside if you really have to. Have a stack of sticks well away from the fire, but in front of the audience to the right. |
| Notes: | Use this at the beginning or end of your first Pack meeting in September. |
| Script: | Akela: (standing by the stack of wood on the right) At this time, I would like all scouts that are new to Pack [number] to please come up here with me. This fire represents the life of our Pack. As you can see, it is burning fairly well, but it is beginning to fade a bit. This fire needs new wood, new fuel to burn bright, just as our Pack needs new scouts to be strong and full of life. I would like each of you to take 2 or 3 sticks from this pile and hold onto them. Those sticks you have in your hands represent your energy, your eagerness, and your excitement to be part of this Pack. I bet you know what I want you to do with those sticks, and I bet you are very excited to do it! But, think about what will happen. (Akela should now walk a bit closer to the fire, but still well away from it. The scouts will soon line up in front of him but there may be some jostling.) When you toss your sticks on the fire, what will happen? (the fire will burn brighter, the sticks will be burned, ...) Just as those sticks will make the fire hotter, bigger, stronger, and full of life, having you in our Pack will make us stronger and more full of life. Before you add your sticks to the fire, decide in your head and heart if you really want to join our Pack and learn our secrets and go on our adventures. When you have decided to join, come and stand right here in front of me and make a single line behind the scout in front of you. (As the scouts scramble to make a line, keep it safe.) After you add your sticks to the fire, stand by Baloo. (Baloo should be on the left of the fire and makes sure scouts stay well away from the fire) (When all are finished) Akela: Congratulations, you are now all part of the life of Pack [number]. Pack, please stand and make the Cub Scout sign. Join me in the Cub Scout Promise. Join me in the Law of the Pack. Two! Now, how about a gigantic Pack [number] cheer for our new scout brothers? You could soak the sticks in a copper chloride solution so they create blue-green flames when added to the fire. See Campfire Dude for other campfire magic. |
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Rank Achievements | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Required: | 6 scouts - one that has completed each rank. large replications of each badge - bobcat, tiger, wolf, bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light. Each badge has that scout's lines taped to the back. |
| Preparation: | Lay the badges in order on a table at the front of the gathering. |
| Notes: | This is good for a meeting toward the end of the year, such as Blue Gold so you have scouts of every rank. Or, use it at the first pack meeting and invite a past Webelos scout back to do the Arrow of Light part. |
| Script: | BOBCAT: I have learned five new things. I can give the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack. I know what Webelos means. I promise to do my best. I am a Bobcat. TIGER: My adult partner and I are having fun learning about the world around us and Cub Scouts. We enjoy Searching, Discovering and Sharing. I am a Tiger. WOLF: I have learned twelve new things. I grew physically and spiritually. I developed habits and attitudes of good citizenship. As I grew in mind and body, I also grew within my family. I learned to get along with others and gained a sense of personal achievement. It is fun being helpful and doing your best. I am a Wolf. BEAR: I too have learned 12 new things. They required more skill and effort, but were fun and interesting. Many of the things I learned were preparing me to be a Boy Scout. The electives started giving me ideas about hobbies I might want to pursue in life. I am a Bear. WEBELOS SCOUT: I am learning and understanding the requirements to become a Boy Scout. The Scout Oath and the Scout Law, and the parts of the Scout badge. I am learning about the outdoors through activities and the Outdoor Code. I have earned at least three activity badges. I am a Webelos scout. ARROW OF LIGHT: I have learned the requirements to become a Boy Scout. I can repeat from memory the Scout Oath and Scout Law. I have earned at least seven activity badges. I have visited a troop meeting and talked with the Scoutmaster. I have been on an overnight campout. I have attained the highest award in Cub Scouting. I am The Arrow of Light. |
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Story of Cub Scout Colors | |
| Intended for: | Cub Scouts |
| Required: | Leader. Awards. Tiger kerchief. Wolf kerchief. Bear kerchief. 3 small clear bottle - containing water died yellow, blue, and orange. 3 scouts, dressed in Indian attire. A tripod with a large cooking pot suspended over an imitat |
| Preparation: | Leader stands behind cookpot. 3 scouts are offstage. |
| Notes: | A small pot fits inside the large one and contains a yellow Wolf kerchief and a blue Bear kerchief and an orange Tiger kerchief and the awards to be presented. Dry ice may be packed around the small pot to give a smoking effect (smoke increases as water i |
| Script: | Leader: Many moons ago the great chief Akela called a council to see what could be done to make the Webelos tribe the best of all tribes. After many hours he called his three most trusted braves to the council fire. (He pauses as three braves come in and stand, one on each side of their chief.) Leader: He told the first brave to climb the mountain and ask the great eagle to fly high into the sky and bring back part of the sun. (The first brave leaves.) Leader: He told the second brave to go to the ocean and ask the salmon to swim far into the ocaen and bring back part of the sea. (The second brave leaves.) Leader: He told the third brave to go into the forest and ask the fox to dig deep into the ground and bring back some of the earth. (The third brave leaves.) (All three scouts return carrying bottles - a bottle of yellow water, blue water, and orange water. They take positions, on the side of the fire, and hold bottles up for everyone to see.) Leader: (Addressing the first brave.) Pour some of the beauty of the sky into our council mixing pot. (The brave pours the liquid over the dry ice, being careful not to get any in the small pot.) Leader: (to second brave) Pour some of the beauty of the sea into our council mixing pot. (The second brave responds, and the boiling action increases.) Leader: (to third brave) Pour some of the beauty of the earth into our council mixing pot. (The second brave responds, and the boiling action increases.) Leader: From this day forward, blue will stand for truth and loyalty. Yellow will stand for happiness and good cheer. Orange will stand for curiousity and courage. (Akela stirs the pot, reaches in, and pulls out the orange, yellow and blue Cub Scout neckerchiefs. He holds them open for all to see, and speaks.) Leader: And that is why Cub Scouts use the colors blue, yellow, and orange. Now let us meet the parents and Cub Scouts who have helped to keep Cub Scouting alive and growing since we last met. (Akela stirs the pot again and takes the awards from the small pot. The boys and the parents are called forward and the awards are presented.) |
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Webelos Buffalo | |
| Intended for: | Bear Scouts, Webelos Scouts |
| Required: | Blue, yellow, green, and red tempera paint. Webelos neckerchiefs. Red koolaid. Beef jerky. |
| Script: | AKELA: Many moons ago the Great Chief Akela called a council to see what could be done to make Webelos the strongest of all tribes. The council said, 'We need colors for our braves, to guide them in how they live their lives.' The council talked for many hours and finally decided on the colors that would offer best guidance. Red to represent blood of warriors that fought to protect us, to make us a great nation, to which a Scout is loyal. Yellow to represent the rays of sun that bring warmth, good cheer, and happiness, for the Arrow of Light which Webelos strive to achieve. Green to represent the forest, for the Webelos learn how to be outdoorsmen, to live under nature's canopy of trees. He comes to nature's house to be the naturalist and forester. He swims in the stream to be the aquanaut. Blue to represent the heavens, the house of God to which the Scout is reverent. Brothers in the Webelos tribe now wear these colors as they trail the eagle, follow the sun, and keep the spirit of Scouting a bright light. AKELA: It is time to welcome new brothers into the tribe of Webelos. All scouts wishing to take on the risks, challenges, and adventures of the Webelos tribe, leaving behind their Bear tribe, come forward now. BALOO: Remove any signs of your old tribe that you are wearing. (Scouts remove their scarves and slides) AKELA: Becoming a Webelos Scout is a major step on the Cub Scout trail on your way to the Arrow of Light and onto the Boy Scout trail to Eagle. Just as Indian boys became warriors and were painted in the colors of their tribe, we will paint you with the colors of the Webelos tribe. AKELA: Blue symbolizes the effort you will make to reach your goals along the Webelos trail. You will earn your Webelos badge and compass points. The strongest and bravest will earn the Arrow of Light. BALOO: Do you accept the challenges ahead of you in the Webelos tribe? (BALOO marks a blue streak) AKELA: Yellow represents the Pack. Yellow is the color of the sun and will light your way along the Webelos trail. You will help the Pack go and it will help you grow. BALOO: Do you vow to do your best? (BALOO marks a yellow streak on the other cheek) AKELA: Green represents the Boy Scout Troop that you will eventually join. Green stands for the tree so that you may stand tall on the Scouting trail. As a Webelos scout, you will spend more time in the outdoors and learn the ways of nature. You will understand animals, plants, and the forces of weather. BALOO: Do you wish to learn more about these things and grow in your scouting skills? (green mark) AKELA: Red represents the blood of your Webelos brothers. You are all bound together through struggles and challenges. You will need each other to succeed and you must always be prepared to help each other along. BALOO: Do you promise to help your fellow Webelos on their trail? (BALOO marks with red) AKELA: Wear your Webelos Colors proudly while you progress along the Webelos Trail, never forgetting that a tribe grows together. (BALOO and AKELA put new kerchiefs on each scout and give each one the Cub Scout shake) AKELA: This is a joyous occasion! A new Webelos tribe has been created and we will now celebrate. Together, we will eat of the buffalo to gain its strength so we may overcome all challenges. Chew on its meat to gain its stamina and endurance so that no hardship can defeat us. Drink its blood to gain its heart so that we remain loyal to our tribe and our beliefs. (Have a snack of kool aid and jerky) |
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